Jealousy Turns Deadly: Man Axes Wife, Then Hangs Himself 

Harare – A Waterfalls man brutally attacked his wife with an axe three times before hanging himself in a jealous rage—all because she had saved a married neighbor’s contact as “Mbuya Juju” in her phone.

The victim, Laiza Sipiwa (40), miraculously survived the vicious assault and is now fighting for her life in hospital, while her husband, Darlington Ndira (39), was found dead near Koala Park along Seke Road.

What Triggered the Attack?

– Darlington discovered photos of neighbor Tichaona Vetrino in Laiza’s phone.

– Her saving Vetrino’s number as “Mbuya Juju” (a nickname implying secrecy) fueled his suspicions.

– The couple argued but went to bed unresolved.

– At 4 AM, Darlington grabbed an axe and struck Laiza’s head while she slept, then hit her twice more when she woke up.

– She collapsed in a pool of blood; Darlington fled, later texting Vetrino:

“I have killed your prostitute.”

– Hours later, Darlington hanged himself.

Neighbor Denies Affair: “He Was Paranoid”

Tichaona Vetrino, the man at the center of the dispute, insists there was no affair:

✔ “I don’t know why she saved my number like that.”

✔ “Darlington called me from her phone once—that’s how she got my contact.”

✔ “He was overly jealous, yet he talked to other men’s wives.”

✔ “I laughed when he texted me about killing her—I thought he was joking.”

Laiza’s Fight for Survival

– Severe head injuries from the axe blows.

– Currently hospitalized in critical condition.

– Police have opened an attempted murder and suicide investigation.

Lingering Questions

● Was Darlington’s jealousy justified, or was it baseless paranoia?

● Why did Laiza save the number as “Mbuya Juju”? (Inside joke? Hiding contact?)

● Could this tragedy have been prevented? (Domestic violence red flags?)

Police Confirm Case 

Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza stated:

“We are investigating an attempted murder involving a couple in Retreat, Waterfalls.”

💔A Cautionary Tale on Jealousy & Violence

This horrific incident highlights:

✔ How unchecked suspicion can turn deadly.

✔ The dangers of domestic violence escalation.

✔ The need for conflict resolution before rage takes over.

YOUR THOUGHTS?

Was this a crime of passion or a preventable tragedy? Should neighbors intervene in domestic disputes?